Now we are sharing with you and legislators the mid-session 2013 Racial Equity Bill Watch, which lists bills that we at OAP and our allies working closely on multiple issues have identified as strategies for breaking down barriers and building true justice in Minnesota.

Positive racial equity policies meet at least one of the following criteria:

Does the legislation explicitly address racial disparities and work to eliminate racial inequities?

Will the legislation help eliminate barriers to access to public benefits and institutions for communities of color?

Does the legislation advance enfranchisement and full civic participation for everyone in the state?

Will the legislation protect against racial violence, racial profiling, and discrimination?

Does the legislation preserve, protect, and/or strengthen the ability of American Indian tribes to exercise their rightful sovereignty?

Have a look at the Racial Equity Bill Watch and let us know about issues and amendments that you are following. We will continue to update this list as the legislative session continues and the work for racial justice progresses. We also ask that you alert us to bills or amendments we should consider for a negative impact on racial equity.

But most of all, please use this list, follow our blog at www.voicesforracialjustice.org, and find us on Facebook and Twitter to stay connected to the work for racial and economic justice. Use these tools in your organizing efforts, and be sure to share your voice for racial justice with our community of leaders in Minnesota.